Members of Parliament have decisively rejected a motion by the Build One South Africa (BOSA) party, aimed at abolishing the longstanding 30% minimum pass mark for matric subjects.
This motion, presented by BOSA leader Dr Mmusi Maimane, garnered significant public support but ultimately fell short, gaining only 87 votes out of the necessary majority against 190 votes cast in opposition.
Dr Maimane strongly condemned the current pass mark, labelling it a policy that perpetuates low educational standards and hampers the cognitive development of South Africa’s youth.
‘The 30% pass mark sets a dangerously low bar for academic achievement, risking a generation’s future and its potential,’ he asserted during the debate.
BOSA had previously announced the launch of a public petition, which has already garnered over 20,000 signatures, reflecting widespread discontent among citizens regarding a system perceived to compromise the educational opportunities of learners.
On the day of the parliamentary debate, BOSA representatives presented this signed petition to Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, signalling the strength of public opinion in favour of reform.
Despite support from opposition parties including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and ActionSA, the motion faced overwhelming opposition from members of the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and other smaller parties such as the Freedom Front Plus and the Patriotic Alliance.
The absence of several parties, including the PAC, UAT, and UDM, also marked the proceedings.
During the heated debate preceding the vote, Gwarube took a definitive stand against what she referred to as ‘distortions’ of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass requirements.
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Addressing the assembly, she said, ‘It is essential that the public, parents, teachers and students hear the facts clearly without distortion. There is no such thing as a 30% overall pass mark in the NSC,’
The rejection prompted a scathing response from BOSA spokesperson Roger Solomons. ‘Build One South Africa is deeply disappointed that parties such as the ANC, DA, FF+, PA, and Al-Jama-ah chose to vote against a motion addressing the future of our youth. By maintaining the 30% pass mark, these parties have set millions up for a life of unemployment while endorsing mediocrity as acceptable,’ he lamented.
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